Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary
August 11th & 16th 2010
Every year at this time of year, Shorebirds start to migrate and with them many photographers and birders migrate to the shores to see this marvellous event. The little birds need rest and food to sustain them on their long journey south so we make sure that we give them plenty of space to feel secure and not threatened.
We stopped to watch a Great Blue Heron fish in the ocean surf.
Gulls flew past us as they watched the sands below.
We took a walk around George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary on Westham Island; here is the link to their website: http://www.reifelbirdsanctuary.com/
Right away we were distracted by a Red-breasted Nuthatch marching up and down a tree trunk as well as hanging upside down from various branches. They are always fun to watch.
Nearby, a mink stopped to look at us before diving into the grass at the edge of the path.
A Peregrine Falcon looked around for prey.
An American Goldfinch enjoyed a meal of Scots Thistle seed.
We found quite a few Dowitchers along the edges of the waters.
As we walked along, the air was full of the sound of happy shorebirds communicating with each other.
Click below to hear the shorebirds
Dozens of tiny Sandpipers swirled around the air in small flocks and foraged the shallow waters for food.
Dozens and dozens of Lesser and Greater Yellowlegs were found everywhere along the shallow waters. They were the most common species seen on the 16th at Reifel.
Another distraction at Reifel was the Sandhill Crane family. They are a resident at the sanctuary and have successfully raised a young one this year. The sun was not on our side, it was very hot and unrelenting as well as not giving the best light to photograph these lovely creatures but we posted some of the many photos for our memories of the day.
We enjoyed our walk at the Reifel Bird Sanctuary and stopped to purchase some items in their gift shop. Laura was really nice and helpful, we enjoyed talking to her. We purchased Mike Yip’s series of books on Birds of Vancouver Island; you can find Mike’s website here: http://www.vancouverislandbirds.com/
We are not authorities on birds, wildlife, plants, cameras or photography, if you are doing research on any subjects, please refer to a more educational site for advice and double-check whatever you research.
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